Twin lock key tag

ABSTRACT

A tag and key mounting annular ring having closely coiled end portions terminating in spaced relation to each other. Each coiled end portion, diametrically opposed from the extreme end thereof, is formed into a laterally outwardly extending or projecting loop. The two loops retain a mounted tag therebetween which cooperates with the loops in locking mounted keys on the ring.

United States Patent [191 McKee May 20, 1975 i 1 TWIN LK KEY TAG l.ll0.873 9/1914 Boye 70/458 [76] inventor: Raymond J. McKee, Box 246. Little mums 4/1920 f 4on0 Fans 07470 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe [22] Filed: Oct. 4, 1973 Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Harvey B. Jacobson; [2] 1 Appl Nod 403,667 Clarence A. O Brien s21 u.s.1o/4so m 70/458, 40/10; [571 ABSTRACT 24/26 70/458 A tag and key mounting annular ring having closely 1, 3 /00 coiled end portions terminating in spaced relation to 5 Fidd f Search 7 5 5 each othenEach coiled end portion, diametrically op- 24 3 K, 2 2 B 27 2 |50l40 posed from the extreme end thereof, is formed into a laterally outwardly extending or projecting loop. The 5 mcu two loops retain a mounted tag therebetween which UNITED STATES PATENTS cooperates with the loops in locking mounted keys on 603.247 5/1898 Becker 70/458 731,597 6/1903 McGill 24/261 1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figures I l" I I l ii iii i I I V 1 W 1 TWIN LOCK KEY TAG The present inventiongenerally relates to new and useful improvements in key rings, andis more specifically concerned with rings of the type specifically intended to mount both anidentifying tag and one or morekeys. a

it is a primary object of the invention to'provide a tagged key ring which incorporates a simple although highly unique locking arrangement, operable in conjunction with the tag itself, in effectively locking the keys on the ring against any possibility of accidental separation therefrom.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object of the invention to provide for a key ring wherein the mounting and removal of the keys, as well as the associated tag, can be simply and quickly effected when manipulated in a positive and'straightforward manner. I j

Other objects of the invention include the provision of a key mounting device which is attractive in appearance, long lasting, and capable of economical manufacture. Basically, the key mounting device includes a ring and cooperating flexible tag, preferably plastic. The ring itself is preferably made of appropriate relatively rigid spring metal and is of a basically annular configuration with the opposed end portions thereof beingoriented in abutting partial coils. The free ends of the coiled portions terminate in spaced relation to each other with outwardly projecting loops being formed in the ring in generally diametrically opposed relation to each of the free ends. The tag, subsequent to the mounting of the tag and keys, is positioned between the loops so as to cooperate therewith in positively retaining the keys against accidental removement from the rmg.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings fonning a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

HO. 1 is a perspective view of the ring and cooperating tag with an associated mounted key being illustrated in phantom lines;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the ring and tag of FIG. 1 illustrating the manner in which the tag and ring loops cooperate in preventing accidental removal of a key; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a mounting of a key.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral is used to generally designate the twin lock key tag comprising the present invention. This device includes a key ring 12 and an elongated label or tag 14.

The ring 12 is formed of a length of rod-like spring metal and includes a central portion 16 which extends into a pair of tightly coiled end portions 18 terminating in eircumferentially spaced free ends 20.

A pair of radially or laterally outward extending loops or loop-like projections 22 are formed in the side or end portions 18 generally diametrically opposed to the respective free ends thereof.

The tag or label 14 is in the nature of a flat strip of relatively stiff yet flexible plastic having appropriate selectively useable mounting apertures 24 at the opposed end portions thereof. The tag I4, depending on the parstep in the is effected by sliding the flat tag between the generally overlying projections or loops 22 and moving the tag inward until one free end aligns with and passes through the desired aperture 24, after which the ring and tag are rotated relative to each other so as to align the second free end 20 with the aperture 24 for passage therethrough. At this point the ring is freely slidable through the aperture 24 with the tag 14 being positioned at the central portion 16 of the ring 12 until the desired key or keys 26 are mounted.

v The keys 26 are mounted in generally the same manher as the tag 14, the spaced overlapped loops 22 facilitating a movement of the apertured head of the key between the coils for sequential introduction over the two free ends 20. FIG. 3 illustrates an initial step in mounting a key. After the keys 26 and tag 14 have been mounted,the tag being mounted either first or last, the tag is snapped over one of the loops 22 so as to be positioned therebetween as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tag aperture 24 is of a size so as to require a forcing therof over either loop 22 with either the tag 14 stretching slightly or the loop 22 flexing inward, or possibly a combination of both. When positioned between the loops 22, the tag 14 is positively retained therebetween until forcibly moved therefrom.

With the tag 14 so positioned, there is provided both a distinct separation of the tag 14 from the key or keys 26 and a positive lock which precludes accidental removal of a key 26 from the ring 12. For example, as suggested in FIG. 2, even should one of the keys 26 escape by one of thefree ends 20 and slide along the portion of the ring immediately outward thereof, the key will fall within the adjoining loop 22 with continued outward movement of the key being specifically precluded by the tag 14 positioned between the two loops 22. This is of course in addition to the tendency of the loop 22 itself to retain the key 26 against movement in either direction.

Should the actual removal of a key or keys 26 be de sired, the tag 14 is merely snapped over one of the loops 22 and the keys removed by reversing the mounting procedure. 4

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that 2 highly unique key tag has been defined with the key tag, consisting of a cooperating key ring and tag, pro viding in effect a twin locking means for mounted key: which precludes any possibility of accidental remova of the keys therefrom. This of course is particularly de sirable in those operations wherein a positive labeling of the keys must be provided for, such as for examplt car dealerships, service stations, and the like.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of th principles of the invention. Further, since numerou modifications and changes will readily occur to thos skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the inventioi to the exact construction and operation shown and de scribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications an equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scop of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

' of said projections.

- 4 projections to preclude movement of a mounted ltcy therepast. said member comprising a flat strip of material incorporating a ring received aperture at one end thereof of a diameter less than the height of the projectionsfor selective forced movement over at least one UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,884,059 DATED y 1975 INVENTOR( i Raymond J. McKee It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Page 1, column 1, line 1, in the inventor's address, delete "Little Falls" and substitute Wayne--.

In the drawings, delete the present drawing in its entirety including the figure appearing on the title page and substitute the correct drawing in accordance with the attached print.

Signed and Scaled this Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON Arresting Officer C. MARSHALL DANN (ummissimzvr nj'lalenrs and Tradvmurkx Page Patent No. 3,884,059 

1. A key ring comprising a length of rod-like spring material forming a generally annular central portion with opposed end portions coiled against each other, such end portions terminating in spaced free ends and a pair of radially outwardly extending loop projections formed therein in close circumferentially spaced relation to each other, and a number closely receiveable on said ring between said projections for retention by said projections to preclude movement of a mounted key therepast, said member comprising a flat strip of material incorporating a ring received aperture at one end thereof of a diameter less than the height of the projections for selective forced movement over at least one of said projections. 